Since new, my 2017 RKS special chirps the rear tire whenever I let off the throttle. I can only assume it is happening in all gears, although I can't hear it with the wind noise at upper speeds. But if I'm cruising in 1st or 2nd and and let off the throttle, the rear tire chirps. Similar to when you pop the clutch on the car quickly to chirp the tires. On the bike, the clutch isn't engaged, just releasing the throttle causes this.

Now some may say it's the belt, but I'm not referring to belt squeal. It is definitely the tire chirping. Not only is this annoying, but I'm sure it is going to prematurely wear my rear tire. I've got 1950 miles and it's already showing signs of wear. I took the bike in a few weeks ago for the 1000 miles service. HD services adviser where I purchased the bike claims this is normal. I asked him to let me ride another 2017 and see if it chirps and he wouldn't agree to that.

Any ideas on my next course of action? I'd hate to have to spend a few hundred on a rear tire way before it is necessary due to this tire chirping.

Thanks!

 

Well that's nonsense! The dealer presumably let you ride a demo bike? Then they can let you ride a demo bike again! Simples.

 

I believe that you have a hyd clutch. So your slip and assist clutch (slipper clutch) should help that. Not sure why you are worried about tire wear. A normal set of tires usually go out after 5000-6000 miles. Cruiser tires are about 10K.

My best advice is not to chop the throttle. If it only happens when you chop it then I would stop it and be smoother on the throttle. Are you deliberately closing it or are you being smooth? Because either way I would have to agree it would be the belt or you slipper clutch isnt working properly.

 

Not chopping it at all. Its at the dealer now and one tech heard it. Has another test riding it now. We shall see what they say this time.

 

Let the dealer sort it out. Mine doesn't do that.

 

Dealer, where I bought it, says they can't find anything wrong. Didn't have an identical demo for me to ride. I'm going to another dealer that doesn't know me and test ride one. But what is my recourse if I don't feel it on another bIke and the dealer keeps saying it's normal?

 

The slip and assist clutchbwas designed to specifically reduce abruptness when you down shift. So, either the clutch is fubar, or you're really hammering the downshift.

 

The slip and assist clutch will chirp the back tire if its a high rpm down shift. A regular clutch would really slide the rear tire.

 

I literally can't decel or release the throttle any slower to test, and it still does it. Not user error.

Trying another dealer next week.

 

Are you gearing down too soon? (ie: before coasting or braking, slowing you down)